Tuscan Groves...oil on linen... Colleen Kidder
In the Autumn of 2002 I traveled with artist Caleb Stone to Tuscany to paint it’s olive groves and many vistas . The shades of green were so unlike the warm and golden hues found in New England. We stayed at a former Romanesque monastary called Pieve Di Caminino and went out early each morning mixing paints on our palettes in an attempt to capture the moods of the surrounding grounds. It was a challenge getting that green!…cobalt blue, yellow ochre and just a touch of white to soften the color…and then if I remember correctly I added a dab of cadmium red to indicate the olives that were hidden in the vines from a distance.
Recently at my annual Holiday Studio Show I displayed the painting “Tuscan Groves”…no price…I really didn’t want to sell it! The painting was the only one that I had left from the trip. A local art collector saw it and said that it “brought him right back to Tuscany” and he asked if it were for sale. I remembered that he had inquired last year too . I had said that it was part of my Private Collection and it was not for sale. But this year I decided that he was someone who would appreciate the painting . It was time to let it go. I offered the painting to him and he gratefully purchased it. Letting go was difficult … but I know that someday I will go back to paint in Tuscany . I will never let go of the memories of that first painting trip.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
By letting go of this painitng you are sharing the gift of Tuscany with the local Art collector. It will be interesting to see who else will see your painting because you were willing to let go.
Darleen… I hope that my painting or at least the image of it finds it’s way to those who share my love of Tuscany !
I think I would try to wrench that painting from your private collection, also. It’s a beauty.
But your first paragraph makes me want to paint again.
Heather.. one day we’ll paint in Paris together…and then sit and enjoy quiche and a glass or two of wine at an outdoor cafe! Wouldn’t that be so nice?